When the weather starts to cool down or you’re simply craving a comforting meal, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade white chicken chili.
This dish is a delightful twist on traditional chili that’s works great as a quick, weeknight dinner.
So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking—comfort food at its finest awaits!
What’s to Love About White Chicken Chili?
Unlike traditional red chili, white chicken chili has a rich and creamy texture thanks to its combination of sour cream and heavy cream, which adds a velvety smoothness.
With a blend of tender chicken, white beans, and a perfectly balanced mix of spices, each spoonful is packed with flavor. The green chilies add a mild kick, while the cumin and oregano give it a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s also incredibly versatile.
Prefer it spicier?
Add more cayenne or use hotter chilies. Want it even creamier? A handful of shredded cheese or extra cream will do the trick. You can also play around with toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make White Chicken Chili
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced green chilies, white beans, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Shred the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- Finish the Chili: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the chili simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
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Tips for Customizing This White Chicken Chili
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and cilantro will enhance the flavor of your chili.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or use hot green chilies.
- Make it Creamier: For an even creamier texture, you can add a bit more heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese.
- Serve with Toppings: Consider serving your chili with toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade white chicken chili with family and friends, and savor the comforting flavors of this delightful dish!
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Easy White Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili recipe combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a flavorful blend of spices to create a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
-
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
-
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced green chilies, white beans, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
-
- Shred the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
-
- Finish the Chili: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the chili simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes